THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NY & NJ

Press Release Article

PORT AUTHORITY PREPARED TO HANDLE JULY 4 HOLIDAY TRAFFIC
AS AIR TRAFFIC CONTINUES TO GROW

Date: Jun 28, 2006Press Release Number: 46-2006

The Port Authority is ready to move millions of travelers through its airports, bridges, tunnels and the PATH rail system during the Independence Day holiday period – one of the busiest travel times of the summer.“Large numbers of passengers may result in longer lines at airport screening check points, parking shortages, and increased bridge and tunnel traffic,” said Port Authority

Chief Operating Officer Ernesto Butcher. “We encourage travelers to leave early and allow themselves extra travel time. Air travelers should check with their airlines before leaving for the airport and arrive 30 minutes earlier than recommended. They also should consider using mass transportation whenever possible, including AirTrain Newark and AirTrain JFK, which provide safe and reliable service.”

Airports

More than 1.8 million passengers are expected to use the Port Authority’s three major airports between Thursday, June 29, and Tuesday, July 4 – the six-day holiday travel period. About 815,000 passengers will use John F. Kennedy International Airport, nearly 601,000 passengers will use Newark Liberty International Airport, and about 435,000 passengers will use LaGuardia Airport. This represents a 2.5 percent increase over last year’s combined total at the three airports.

Airport parking lots are expected to fill quickly during the weekend, and travelers should consider mass transit options. For information on these options, travelers can call (800) AIRRIDE.

Travelers and those meeting flights at American Airlines terminals 8 and 9 at JFK may experience traffic congestion and possible parking shortages due to construction. It will be necessary to allow extra time to arrive at these terminals and consider alternate parking in the long-term lots. For the latest information on parking conditions at JFK, travelers can call 718 244-4444 or tune radios to 1630 AM when near the airport.

About 4 million vehicles are projected to use Port Authority bridges and tunnels during the six-day holiday period. Travelers are urged to use mass transit and travel during off-peak hours whenever possible. The Port Authority will suspend construction projects beginning Friday afternoon, June 30, until Wednesday morning, July 5. Traffic advisories are available at www.panynj.info.

Travelers using the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the George Washington Bridge Bus Station should allow extra time, as lines may be longer than normal due to higher passenger volumes. For more information, call 800 221-9903.

PATH

PATH will operate extra trains as needed for commuters leaving early on Friday, June 30. On Independence Day, PATH will operate a Sunday schedule, adding trains in the evening for revelers heading to and from the New York City fireworks display. For additional information, call 800 234-PATH or visit www.panynj.info.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates some of the busiest and most important transportation links in the region. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and Teterboro airports; the George Washington Bridge; the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the three bridges between Staten Island and New Jersey; the PATH rapid-transit system; the Downtown Manhattan Heliport; Port Newark; the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal; the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island; the Brooklyn Piers/Red Hook Container Terminal; and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. The agency also owns the 16-acre World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan.

The Port Authority is financially self-supporting and receives no tax revenue from either state.